Research Associate 3 Entomology

$60,000 - $70,000/Yr

Syngenta Group - Malta, IL

Full-time - Mid Level

Malta, IL

Merchant Wholesalers, Nondurable Goods

About the position

At Syngenta, we believe every employee has a role to play in safely feeding the world and taking care of our planet. The Seeds Development team is currently seeking a Research Associate 3 - Entomology located in Malta, IL. The primary purpose of this role is to conduct and deliver results of robust plant-insect phenotyping assays and field trials, manage insectary maintenance, and oversee insect production in support of insect resistance trait product development. Additionally, the Research Associate will provide technical and operational support to the broader Trait Evaluation (TE) team, ensuring that all activities align with Syngenta's health, safety, and environmental (HSE) policies, as well as federal and state regulations. The Research Associate will support corn and soybean GM trait research and product development, focusing on native trait projects. This includes supporting assay development and improvement, quantitative phenotyping results, and large-scale insectary management. The role requires the individual to work independently and collaboratively within teams to deliver high-quality, timely corn insect resistance phenotyping data and technical support for a wide array of development projects. The successful candidate will develop, refine, and execute efficient efficacy studies in various environments, including the field, greenhouse, growth rooms, and laboratory, while continuously collaborating to improve efficiency. The position also involves supervising seasonal technical personnel and possibly internal research associates, ensuring that all activities are performed in accordance with Syngenta's policies and regulations. The work environment varies from greenhouse and laboratory settings to fieldwork and typical office environments, requiring adaptability and resilience in various conditions.

Responsibilities

• Support corn and soybean GM trait research and product development and native trait projects.
• Support assay development and improvement, quantitative phenotyping results, and large-scale insectary management.
• Provide technical and operational support, including insect efficacy trials writing and serving as a contact for TE Study Directors.
• Communicate with Trialing, Operations, and external contract research organizations (CROs) regarding ways of working and field activities.
• Work independently and within teams to deliver high quality, timely corn insect resistance phenotyping data and technical support for development projects.
• Develop, refine, and execute efficient efficacy studies in the field, greenhouse, growth rooms, and laboratory; collaborate to continuously improve efficiency.
• Perform all activities in accordance with Syngenta HSE, GM, and QMS policies and Federal (USDA and EPA) and State regulations.
• Supervise seasonal technical personnel and possibly internal research associates.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in the agricultural or physical sciences with 2+ years of applied Entomology experience in host-plant-resistance and insectary management.
• Applied experience and knowledge in Entomology techniques including large-scale insect production, insect phenotyping/screening techniques, and plant-insect assay development/optimization.
• Hands-on experience developing, refining, and conducting successful crop insect phenotyping assays in the field, greenhouse, and laboratory.
• Knowledge of insect development strategies to synchronize insects with plant and weather activities.
• Organizational skills needed to simultaneously manage multiple insect field and laboratory experiments.
• Field experience is required.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively work as a team member, motivating and supporting colleagues.

Nice-to-haves

• Master's degree in the agricultural or physical sciences with applied Entomology experience in host-plant-resistance and insectary management.

Benefits

• Full Benefit Package (Medical, Dental & Vision) that starts the same day you do.
• 401k plan with company match, Profit Sharing & Retirement Savings Contribution.
• Open Vacation Policy with a minimum of 15 days of vacation and up to 30 days with manager approval, plus paid holidays.
• Salary range: $60,000-70,000 plus bonus (or commensurate with directly applicable experience).
• Maternity/Paternity Leave, Education Assistance, Wellness Programs and Corporate Discounts among other benefits.